Elizabeth Carter, 1717-1806: An Edition of Some Unpublished Letters Book

Between 1726 and 1806, Carter's correspondence numbered no less that 2,750 letters sent and received. To say she kept in touch is a vast understatement, but the sheer volume is even more surprising when one considers she was a parson's daughter living in a relatively isolated area of Kent, yet this very isolation and social position made her the ideal correspondent for a wide range of ordinary, or even extraordinary people. She was loath to travel by horse, and kept up with everyone's life by force of pen, with the result being that we get a very good idea of how one conducted one's life in that class and day, and how important one's friends and family were whether during times of national turmoil or relative calm. These 111 letters and a brief note include wise observations and advice, hilarious descriptions of the rigors of country life, and the overall impression that Miss Carter was a very great friend indeed. Distributed by Associated University Presses. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR